The good news is that the majority of these accidents can be prevented. Just keep these safety tips in mind.
Battery Safety Tip 1: Don’t Pocket Naked Batteries.
When it comes to vaping, a real modder will tell you how they hate it when the batteries to their MODs run out in the middle of their “escapades.” Of course, nobody likes to be disrupted in the middle of what they love to do. It’s for this reason that most of us choose to carry extra batteries in our pockets without necessarily knowing the dangers and risks that we’re getting ourselves into. A naked battery exposes its bare terminals to any good conductor close to it. If you happen to put a metal object such as keys or coins into your pockets, you run the risk of sparking a fire inside your own pockets- something that I’m sure you wouldn’t want to experience! If your MOD battery is running low, always ensure that the extra battery is enclosed in its own casing. An incident that occurred in Kentucky is a prime example of what happens if batteries aren’t properly contained. The victim stated that a spare battery burst into flames. A common misconception that most news stories portray is that the “e-cigs” themselves are exploding when in most cases it has to do with the batteries.
Battery Safety Tip 2: Don’t Overwork Your Batteries.
The continuous use of your MOD will eventually get your battery hot. In normal circumstances, the heat of the device eventually subsides on its own after you cease using it. If it happens that your MOD’s still hot even after putting it away, then I’d highly recommend that you change the battery or get a new device. From a physics and chemistry perspective, the heating of the batteries during use eventually leads to venting. Venting is a reaction that occurs when the chemicals used to make the batteries become hot and begin to emit gasses. A battery with an excellent ventilation system should release these gasses and cool down. However, if your MOD battery is faulty, these gasses will be retained inside their cell leading to an explosion.
Battery Safety Tip 3: Always Use the Right Chargers.
When you use a faulty charger to charge a device, the likely outcome is the eventual destruction of the battery as well as the device. The same principle is applicable when using and charging your MOD battery. Faulty chargers may overcharge or undercharge your batteries which will make them more susceptible to venting. When shopping for a MOD battery charger, always check the power input and output and compare it with the required amount of energy your battery can withstand. If you’re not sure about the optimum battery voltage, use a trusted multimeter to do the job for you. An explosion and fire were the direct results of charging an e-cig with an incompatible charger in this incident in London.
Closing Thoughts
Whenever using or buying batteries not only for your vaping device but for other devices as well, make sure you take the time to understand how to use and store them properly. Most, if not all, manufacturers include some kind of warning note or manual with their products. Please make sure to take the time to read and follow all instructions to prevent serious injury.
